Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Kick off Annual Stars for Heroes Campaign to Raise Funds and Salute Military Veterans & Families

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - May 19, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., parent company to Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® restaurant chains, kicks off its fourth annual Stars for Heroes™ fundraising campaign this week at participating restaurant locations. The program, which has raised more than $2.5 million since its inception, harnesses the compassion and generosity of its customers, franchisees and employees to rally behind the nation's military veterans and families. Funds raised during this year's campaign will support national charity partners, Dream Foundation and USA Cares, as well as regional charities in Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurant communities.

The Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign begins in-store today at Hardee's and May 20 at Carl's Jr. and will run for four weeks. To participate, restaurant guests donate $1 in support of military charities. For each $1 donation, guests receive a commemorative "I am supporting military veterans and families" patriotic star-shaped cut out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant. They also receive restaurant coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.

"The Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Stars for Heroes campaign allows people across the nation to give back to our American heroes. This is a very important cause to our customers, employees and franchisees and we invite everyone to stop by one of our participating restaurants, enjoy the taste of our great American-made 100 percent Black Angus burgers or Made From Scratch Biscuits, and donate a dollar to salute our country's military heroes," said Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. "As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it's a perfect way to honor these brave men and women by showing your support."

"It's an honor to work with CKE as well as Carl's Jr. and Hardee's franchisees again this year," said Kisa Heyer, executive director of Dream Foundation. "The financial support Dream Foundation received from last year's campaign helped us fund the final wishes of 107 deserving veterans. We value the CKE partnership and the generosity, dedication and compassion of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's crew members across the country. Their fundraising enables us to continue to support veterans suffering from life-threatening illnesses."

"This is our fourth year partnering with CKE Restaurants and their Stars for Heroes program," said Peter Giusti, president of USA Cares. "The services we provide to active duty soldiers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their families would not be possible without the continued support we receive from Hardee's and Carl's Jr. and we are grateful for their generosity over the years. We look forward to continuing to spread the word on the assistance programs that USA Cares provides through this fundraising initiative."

Since its creation in 2011, the Stars for Heroes program has supported more than 60 U.S. military charities. Stars for Heroes is made possible through generous contributions by CKE's franchise community - The Independent Hardee's Franchise Association (IHFA) and Star Franchise Association (SFA) - along with company employees and loyal customers. Private donations and in-kind support are provided by CKE partners and suppliers including KDM POP Solutions Group with additional support from The Buhl Press, Central Florida Press and Coyle Reproductions who donated printed materials for the campaign. To learn more about the Stars for Heroes national beneficiaries, visit their websites at www.dreamfoundation.org and www.usacares.org.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE") is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. Through its subsidiaries, CKE owns and licenses Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® quick-service restaurants. CKE operates Carl's Jr. and Hardee's as one brand under two names acknowledging the regional heritage of both banners. CKE has a total of 3,477 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and 30 foreign countries and U.S. territories. Known for its one-of-a-kind premium menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Six Dollar Thickburgers®, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ and Fresh Baked Buns, as well as an award-winning marketing approach, the Carl's Jr./Hardee's brand continues to deliver substantial and consistent growth in the U.S. and overseas. The Carl's Jr./Hardee's system is now 74 percent franchised, with international restaurants representing 17 percent of the system. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

About Dream Foundation

The first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults, Dream Foundation enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families battling life-threatening illness. Dream recipients are those individuals who have been given a year or less life expectancy. Dreams range from basic need items, like a working stove, to bedside reunions and meaningful experiences with children and loved ones. Founded in 1994, Dream Foundation serves more than 2,500 dreams each year and relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors and individual donors. For more information, visit www.dreamfoundation.org or call (805) 564-2131.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. USA Cares has responded to over 50,000 requests for assistance with over $11 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, www.usacares.org or by calling (800) 773-0387.

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